There are many lists floating around the interwebs, which rank the top golf holes, the best 18, the most scenic, etc. So why did I feel the need to add to the clutter? I love golf and lists are fun! For this post, I wanted to put together a dream links course consisting of my favorite holes. I have no specific definition for “my favorite”, and there are certainly many deserving holes at each slot in the list, so feel free to discuss and argue your opinions.
Criteria
1. Only courses I have played
2. Courses in Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland
3. A course can only be represented once on the list
4. Each position in the list is represented by a hole in the same slot (List position 1 must be filled by the 1st hole of a course)
When I sat down to compile the list I did not expect it to be so difficult. There are so many exceptional holes and picking just 1 for each of the 18 slots is tough. In fact, the selection process was so difficult for me I broke criteria item 1 and 3. I guess rules are made to be broken!
The List
1. Trump International Doonbeg
The first hole on my dream links course was the most difficult to select. Ardglass, Portstewart, Prestwick, and Ballybunion all have fantastic opening holes. Ardglass is especially special for me as it was the first golf hole I played outside the USA. But after careful consideration, the opening hole at Doonbeg wins! The tee sits adjacent a beautiful castle inspired clubhouse and looks down on an inviting wide open fairway. In the distance, tucked tight into high dunes, is the large green protected in the front by bunkers. Simply incredible!
2. Portstewart Golf Club
The first three holes at Portstewart Golf Club are quite possible the best opening 3 links holes anywhere in the world. The second hole at Portstewart, Devil’s Hill, represents to me what links golf is all about. On 2 dimensional paper, the hole is not too difficult. It is a straight and short par 4 (only 366 yards) with only a single small bunker right of a generous green. Then you stand on the tee box and are presented with a much more difficult hole.
The 2nd tee box is elevated and two large dunes stand like guards at the entry to the fairway. This positioning of the dunes creates a visual dogleg and blocks sight of the green. The safe play is a long iron between the dunes, but the more daring players can opt for a longer club over the left dune. The second shot is to an elevated green requiring an extra club on the best of days. On this day we were playing directly into a stiff wind blowing out to the Atlantic (directly behind the tee box). I remember the caddie telling me i needed to hit a 150 yard shot while handing me my 5 iron, and sure enough it was just enough to get to the green!
3. Old Prestwick
If golf history is of any importance, Prestwick should be included in every Dream Links List! The first Open Championship, the oldest existing golf hole (17th – Alps), and designed by Old Tom Morris! So much of what golf is today; course design, rules, and competitions have their beginnings here. Compared with contemporary courses, Prestwick is a bit dated and quirky, but that is what makes it so special.
There are a few spectacular holes to choose from, but its the Par 5 3rd hole (Cardinal) that finds its way to our Dream Links List. Cardinal began life as the 4th hole in the 12 laid out by Old Tom Morris, and today is virtually untouched. It is famous for the huge bunker sitting beneath “the wall” (the original name of the hole). This hole is pure Prestwick; dramatic and quirky. Standing on the tee, there seems to be no easy route to the green. Try to play short of the bunkers and you leave a long and blind second shot to the elevated fairway. Attempt to swing the big stick and you have a small fairway marked with bumps and swells, and OB lining the entire right side. Incredible design!!
4. Old Head
5. Lahinch
6. Carnoustie
7. Muirfield
8. Royal Troon – Postage Stamp
The Number 8 hole on my Dream Links Course was an easy and obvious pick. The 8th hole at Royal Troon, named Postage Stamp, is probably one of the most famous par 3s in the world. At roughly 120 yards, the hole is proof that a par 3 does not need to be long to be difficult. Just ask Rory McIlroy…he made a 9 there during an Open practice round!
The trouble starts while standing on the 7th tee. From the 7th tee box the postage stamp green is in view and there is a good chance you get the opportunity to witness the preceding group stumble their way to a high number! Once on the 8th tee box, you again are presented with the tiny green protected by 5 punishing bunkers. I found myself in the right hand bunker and I was lucky to escape with a bogey. Its not all doom and gloom, as a birdie is obtainable. My playing partner hit a wonderful short iron and made the birdie putt and now talks about it ALL the time!
9. Royal County Down
10. Trump Turnberry
11. Ballybunion
12. Kingsbarns
13. N. Berwick
14. Royal Portrush
15. N. Berwick
16. Waterville
17. Tralee
18. Old Course